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Volunteering in Lima: Get ready to go
Volunteering in Lima will teach you many lessons, but first you need to know which programs and projects are best.
If you’re planning on volunteering in Lima, the first step is understanding the needs of the local communities and the city’s environment. This guide will help you see the best ways to make a real difference.
We’ll show you the best programs and projects you can get involved in, the fees you’ll need to cover, and the benefits of volunteering in the Peruvian city. We’ll also go over the essential requirements to become a volunteer.
Advantages of volunteering in Lima
Volunteering anywhere in the world comes with great benefits, like gaining professional experience, personal growth, and meeting new people. In Lima, however, you’ll also have some unique opportunities that make the experience truly special. Here’s what you can expect
- You’ll get to know Lima’s traditions from the neighborhoods: Beyond the work you’ll be doing as a volunteer, this experience will teach you a lot. The neighborhoods, despite their challenges, are full of Peruvian traditions. While you’re helping, you’ll also get to see a side of Lima that most tourists never visit.
- You’ll learn about different ways to impact communities: Given the complex social and economic challenges faced by the city’s most vulnerable communities, your contribution can make a real difference in any area you choose to volunteer.
- You’ll get to know the city and save on accommodation: Volunteering in Lima is a unique way to travel and experience the culture. Most programs and organizations provide accommodation and sometimes meals while you help local communities, which can also save you money on your trip.
- You don’t need experience or a university degree to be a volunteer: Lima is open to anyone ready to make a difference for its most vulnerable communities. You do not need prior experience or a degree, just enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn while you help.
Requirements for volunteering in Lima
If you want to volunteer in Lima, there are certain requirements and documents you’ll need for your trip, entry, and stay. Beyond the formalities, there are a few important guidelines that are essential for making your volunteer experience successful. Here’s what you need to know:
- Visa: In general, if the program lasts less than three months, you can volunteer on a tourist status as long as you are not paid. For longer programs or if any compensation is involved, you will need a Volunteer Visa, which must be issued by the organization running the program.
- Passport: This travel document will be required once you enter the country to verify your identity and stamp your entry and exit at immigration.
- Minimum age: Volunteering programs are usually open to people over 18, but some organizations allow younger volunteers, starting at 16, as long as they have written permission from a parent or guardian.
- Registration with Sinavol: In Peru, all organizations and volunteers need to register with the National Volunteer System. This allows them to track volunteer activities and provide support such as training, certifications, and other recognitions.
- Travel insurance: Organizations may require insurance that covers medical expenses.
- Financial resources: You should plan your stay in Lima and budget for the costs you’ll need to cover while volunteering, such as accommodation, food, transportation, flights, and other expenses.
- Language: You must have a medium-high level of proficiency in Spanish. However, English also opens doors in volunteer work.
- Criminal background check: You must have a clean criminal record in your country of origin.
- Certificate of good health: You must show that you are in good physical and mental health.
Internet connection while volunteering in Lima
Having a reliable internet connection will let you stay in touch with friends, family, and the organization you’re volunteering with in Lima. It will also be your main tool if you need to access your travel insurance, no matter where you are.
That’s why we recommend Holafly’s monthly plans, which give you either unlimited data or 25 GB that you can share across multiple devices. The best part is that if you continue traveling to other countries, these plans work in over 160 destinations worldwide.
If you’re only volunteering in Peru’s capital for a week or two, we recommend Holafly’s eSIM for Lima. This way, you’ll have unlimited data just for the duration of your trip.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Best volunteer programs for Lima
The top volunteering programs in Lima focus on children, education, and the city’s most vulnerable communities. Here, we highlight the programs you can apply to, including two local options that are free to join and two that require a participation fee.
1. Fe y Alegría del Perú
This nonprofit organization runs a volunteer program called ‘Transforming Hearts,’ which aims to support children and young people in their education through various activities and social projects that benefit the community’s youth.
They have also developed programs in technical and professional education to help students transition into the workforce as they reach adulthood. Instilling values and civic responsibility is a key part of their approach, alongside public policies that support Lima’s most vulnerable residents.
This is a local volunteer program with no fees, but accommodation and meals are not included. Volunteers usually spend three to four hours a day helping, and in return, you can receive training in basic education and other social skills.
You must be 18 years or older, provide a criminal background check, and have an intermediate-high level of Spanish.
2. Cáritas Lima
Cáritas Lima is a faith based social organization backed by the Catholic Church in Peru that focuses on improving the lives of people in vulnerable situations. Through programs in social support, health, nutrition, education, and employment, it works to strengthen communities and promote a more dignified way of life.
In addition, they seek to strengthen communities and improve risk and emergency management through training and assistance in natural disaster situations.
A clear example of Cáritas Lima’s work can be seen in its response during the Covid 19 lockdown, when it supported low income families with food packages, medicines, and other forms of aid. You can contribute not only by volunteering, but also through donations.
There is no participation fee to join. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, complete an entry interview, and respect the social values promoted by the Church. Projects may last anywhere from a few days to several months, and due to the flexible nature of the programs, accommodation, meals, and transportation are not provided.
3. International Volunteer HQ
When it comes to volunteering through international agencies, organizations like International Volunteer HQ offer programs that support children, people with disabilities, and families by helping build and renovate essential community spaces.
You can also teach English to both adults and children, help care for and protect animals, or support medical outreach programs. Depending on your availability and the needs of each project, programs range from one to twelve weeks and usually require a commitment of at least five hours a day.
You don’t need to worry about accommodation or food, as most projects provide a room and two daily meals, usually breakfast and dinner. You can also use the facilities at your accommodation to prepare your own lunch.
Additional benefits often include airport pickup, discounts on tours and travel extras, reduced rates for language classes, 24/7 support, training, and a certificate of participation. To join, you generally need to be at least 16 years old, have travel insurance, a background check, and a good command of Spanish.
The registration fee is $329, and program costs range from around $330 for one week of volunteering to about $2,000 for a full twelve week program.
4. Worldpackers
This organization connects volunteers with local communities and NGOs in Lima that need support in a variety of areas. Through their programs, you can volunteer in fields such as psychology, construction, and the repair and renovation of spaces used by organizations that serve the community.
You can also work as a tutor for a child, helping them with their schoolwork and focusing on improving their performance in different subjects. In return, you’ll receive a bed in a shared room, three meals a day, and two days off. The role typically requires a commitment of five hours a day from Monday to Friday.
To participate, you need to commit to at least four weeks, be an international volunteer, speak Spanish, and have travel insurance with medical coverage. You’ll also pay a daily fee of $10 to cover meals, accommodation, and utilities such as internet, water, electricity, and gas.
Types of volunteer projects in Lima
Lima offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities. You can get involved in health, education, or support various social, cultural, and environmental initiatives across the city. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable programs:
Education and Culture
Education-focused volunteer programs involve teaching languages, providing academic support through tutoring, helping community organizations develop technical and professional skills, and offering job training to teenage and vulnerable mothers.
You can also get involved in preserving historical and archaeological sites, supporting important local projects as part of your volunteer work in Lima.
Environment and Conservation
These projects aim for volunteers to help improve and clean up natural areas such as beaches and riverbanks, as well as urban spaces like schools, hospitals, and tourist sites.
Environmental education is at the heart of these projects. Through workshops, you can raise awareness in local communities about protecting the environment and the importance of recycling. You may also help set up and maintain urban gardens, promoting sustainable land use and local food self-sufficiency.
Health and Medicine
Medical missions are among the most meaningful volunteer projects in Lima, as they provide vital support to the city’s poorest and most vulnerable communities, who are often at higher risk of illness.
You can assist with vaccination drives, provide primary care, or educate communities on disease prevention and healthy habits for personal hygiene, food safety, and the environment. You can also volunteer directly alongside local medical centers.
Social and Community Assistance
Community and social development volunteering is one of the most common opportunities in Lima, as parts of the city are home to people living in settlements without access to basic services, schools, hospitals, or other essential infrastructure for a decent quality of life.
In these projects, you can help with emergency response alongside the Peruvian Red Cross, assist in building and equipping homes, schools, and hospitals with local foundations, or support children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
How much does it cost to volunteer in Lima?
The cost of volunteering in Lima, Peru, varies depending on the program you choose and whether you join through a local or international organization, as fees can differ significantly. Costs also change based on the benefits each program provides and the length of the project.
The following table shows the most common and necessary costs for volunteering in a city like Lima:
| Expense category | Price |
| Participation fee | Depending on the NGO, it may be free or, if it is an international agency, the cost can range from $300 per week to $2,000 for 12 weeks. |
| Registration fee | Agencies such as International Volunteer HQ charge a registration fee starting at $329. However, this varies depending on the agency. |
| Flights to Lima, Peru | Depending on the country you are flying from, you can calculate the cost of flights. However, you can expect to pay between $400 and $1,500 to fly to Lima. |
| Local transportation | Approximately $40 to $70 per month. |
| Leisure travel expenses | This cost depends on your lifestyle, but you can expect to spend around $100 per week. |
| Travel insurance | Between $50 and $100 per month, depending on the company you choose and the coverage you select. |
| Cooperative Visa Application | According to the Peruvian Consulate in Spain, the fee will be set by the Peruvian authorities at the time of issuance. |
What do you save?
Accommodation and meals can vary, but if you volunteer with international agencies, these costs are usually covered by at least 90%, helping you save on these essentials.
You might also save on getting around, since hosts often cover transportation for projects in more remote areas. Some programs even include city tours or admission fees, either fully or in part, so you won’t have to spend extra on those activities.
Frequently asked questions about volunteering in Lima
Depending on the project, you may be asked to be available for between 3 and 6 hours of continuous work during the day.
From 1 day to several months, depending on the agency you volunteer with.
Yes, local programs often welcome international volunteers for periods ranging from several months up to a year. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll be responsible for your own expenses, and a visa is required for longer stays.
Participation and registration fees charged by some agencies or programs help ensure the continuity of the projects and cover logistical costs as well as the well-being of volunteers in Lima.
Yes, you can volunteer at animal shelters for dogs, cats, and other animals, helping with feeding, cleaning, walks, and supporting vaccination or spay and neuter programs.
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